National Football League Division Two A: After a superb first-half performance by Leitrim, during which they matched Donegal in most departments, the second period was an anti-climax for the big home following as last year's All-Ireland semi-finalists showed their class to end the game comfortable winners at a cold but sunny Cloone yesterday.

Brendan Devenney gave Donegal the lead with a pointed free after 10 minutes. Leitrim, who were enjoying the better of the exchanges but failing to convert possession into scores, quickly replied with two pointed frees from top scorer Michael Foley.

Pat Farrell and Adrian Sweeney exchanged points but Donegal's superiority began to tell and they scored three points without reply to lead 0-5 to 0-3 at the break.

The introduction of John Gildea and John Haran in the second half proved decisive for Donegal and although Michael Foley did get a goal for Leitrim on 39 minutes after good work by Colin Regan, this only served to spur Donegal on to greater efforts.